NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - Looking for a pool this summer to beat this Louisiana heat? During the summer months, a number of New Orleans hotel pools will allow non-hotel guests to take a dip.
This summer trend has been going strong over the past few years, and many hotels are letting locals take advantage of pool amenities again this season.
Some hotels, like The Chloe and Royal Sonesta New Orleans, are also hosting special events to add more summer vibes to pool lounging. All charge a fee or require a service purchase for pool use.
Here’s a list of hotel pools to check out this summer. Contact each hotel for more details.
Did we miss a hotel pool that will allow the locals? Let us know about it here. Check back for updates throughout the summer.
The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans
The Pool Club, located on the 13th-floor rooftop of the swanky Virgin Hotels New Orleans, is one hot spot to cool off this summer.
Non-hotel guests can access the pool Monday through Thursday with the purchase of a $25 pool pass, but the hotel says seating is not included. Non-hotel guests can visit the Pool Club without pool access Friday through Sunday starting at 3 p.m. However, the hotel provides sofa rentals, VIP experiences and other packages for groups that include pool access for the weekends.
Visit the Virgin Hotels website for more details.
The Chloe
The Chloe, the vibrant boutique hotel on St. Charles Avenue, allows day guests to take a dip during open summer swim sessions at the hotel’s picturesque pool bar. Access is available to non-room guests for $25 per person on a first-come, first-swim basis, with limited availability. Swim hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and pool guests must be 21 years or older.
The hotel also launched a Sunday Summer Series featuring Sunday DJ sessions all summer long from May 29 through Sept. 11. Guests can party poolside sounds by several New Orleans DJs including Antwigadee, DJ Otto, Kelly Green, Legatron Prime, Pell, Tristan Dufrene, DJ G and PassTheJeffrey.
For more details, visit the website.
Alto, the lush rooftop pool at Ace Hotel New Orleans, allows non-hotel guests, age 21 and older, to make pool reservations via Resy.
Day passes are available from 11 a.m.-until for $40 per person or from 3 p.m. - until for $30 per person. Day pass seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority for hotel guests.
The Drifter Hotel
The Drifter Hotel’s saltwater pool awaits at its quirky oasis on Tulane Avenue. This year, the spot returns with its slate of summer pool parties.
Guests can also book two-hour “Drift Away” pool sessions online in advance for $10 at the hotel’s reservation site. A year-round Swimclub membership is also available for $299 and includes entry for one guest. All guests must be age 21 and older with a valid ID to enter.
W New Orleans - French Quarter
Escape to the W New Orleans in the heart of the French Quarter for a day of relaxation. For access to the WET deck and outdoor courtyard pool, non-hotel guests can purchase pool passes through Resort Pass.
Rates start at $45 per person from Monday to Thursday and $60 per person from Friday to Sunday. If you want to dine while you lounge, W New Orleans has a pool menu handled by its flagship restaurant SoBou on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Valet parking is $49 for the day, but free parking is available with any $30 purchase from SoBou.
The Roosevelt New Orleans
Some locals might be surprised to learn they can use the rooftop pool at the Roosevelt New Orleans under special circumstances. Locals can enjoy the pool with a cabana rental or a spa appointment.
Half-day cabana rentals cost $200 Monday through Thursday and $300 on the weekends, plus tax and gratuity. Two time slots are available from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Guests can also rent a cabana for a full day, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for $375 on Monday through Thursday and $550 on the weekends,plus tax and gratuity. To book a cabana, guests can email msyrh_pool@waldorfastoria.com.
Private cabana rentals include seating for up to 10 people, a shaded day bed, towels, chilled bottled water, fresh fruit and a complimentary pitcher of draft beer or lemonade.
Additionally, spa patrons who received a 50-minute massage or facial have access to the pool after their services. See more details about the rooftop pool via the website.
Windsor Court
Non-hotel guests can lounge poolside at the Windsor Court’s rooftop saltwater escape by booking through Resort Pass.
Rates start at $60 for bookings on Monday through Thursday and $100 for bookings on Friday through Sunday. Day passes for children cost $25.
The access includes the pool, towel service and complimentary sunscreen. Pool hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Blackout dates apply if the hotel is full and pool is anticipated to be busy with hotel guests.
Above the Grid at NOPSI Hotel
Similar to Windsor Court, NOPSI Hotel also uses Resort Pass for guests to access the rooftop pool at Above the Grid.
Guests can soak in the beautiful views while taking advantage of several day pass options. During Friday Night Heights DJ sessions or the Saturday life music sessions, passes start at $30. Regular day passes start at $50 and other passes at higher rates include private cabanas.
Regular pool hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hotel says, for non-hotel guests, day passes are only for adults ages 21 and older.
Royal Sonesta Hotel
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, which dubbs itself the “Crown Jewel of the French Quarter,” also offers an escape from the summer heat.
This summer, the hotel launches Sonesta Sundays each week from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its Oasis Pool Bar. A $50 pool pass includes one complimentary 16 oz. daiquiri and free valet parking. The event also features weekly live entertainment and access to the pool bar and menu. See the schedule for pool passes here.
Country Club
Okay, so this isn’t a hotel, but the Bywater restaurant is a popular spot with a lush outdoor pool area with a poolside cabana serving food and drinks. Daily pool rates at The Country Club are $20, which may vary with special events and holidays. The spot also offers an annual membership pass for $499.
The pool opens daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with last entry for the general public at 9 p.m. Visit the website for more details.
